Dapagliflozin/saxagliptin


Dapagliflozin/Saxagliptin is a combination medication designed to help manage diabetes mellitus, a chronic condition that affects how the body handles glucose (sugar). This medication combines two active ingredients, dapagliflozin/Saxagliptin, to address different aspects of diabetes control. Dapagliflozin/Saxagliptin sold under the brand name Qtern.[2][3] It is a combination of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin.[2][3] It is taken by mouth.[2][3]

Dapagliflozin/saxagliptin
Combination of
DapagliflozinSGLT-2 inhibitor
SaxagliptinDipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor
Clinical data
Trade namesQtern
AHFS/Drugs.comProfessional Drug Facts
License data
Pregnancy
category
Routes of
administration
By mouth
ATC code
Legal status
Legal status
Identifiers
CAS Number
KEGG

The most common side effects include upper respiratory tract infection (such as nose and throat infections) and, when used with a sulphonylurea, hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose levels).[3]

Dapagliflozin/saxagliptin was approved for medical use in the European Union in July 2016, and in the United States in February 2017.[3][4]

Synergistic Mechanism of Action edit

Dual-Action Approach: The combination of dapagliflozin and saxagliptin provides a dual-action approach to diabetes management. Dapagliflozin addresses excess glucose in the urine, reducing blood glucose levels independently of insulin, while saxagliptin fine-tunes glycemic control by modulating incretin dynamics.

Comprehensive Glycemic Control: By targeting different pathways involved in glucose regulation, the combination aims to achieve comprehensive glycemic control. This is particularly beneficial for individuals with type 2 diabetes who may have varying degrees of insulin resistance and impaired incretin function.

Potential Cardiovascular and Renal Benefits: Beyond glycemic control, both dapagliflozin and saxagliptin have shown potential cardiovascular and renal benefits in clinical studies. The combination's dual mechanism may contribute to these additional positive outcomes, providing a holistic approach to diabetes care.

Medical uses edit

In the United States dapagliflozin/saxagliptin is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes.[2]

In the European Union it is indicated in adults aged 18 years and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus:

  • to improve glycemic control when metformin with or without sulphonylurea (SU) and either saxagliptin or dapagliflozin does not provide adequate glycemic control.[3]
  • when already being treated with saxagliptin and dapagliflozin.[3]

Adverse effects edit

  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): While less common with dapagliflozin alone, it can occur, especially if used in conjunction with other antidiabetic medications.
  • Dehydration: Excessive loss of fluids through increased urine output may lead to dehydration, particularly if fluid intake is insufficient.
  • Genital Infections: There may be an increased risk of genital yeast infections in both men and women.
  • Pancreatitis: In rare cases, saxagliptin has been associated with inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
  • Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions, such as rash or swelling.
  • Hypoglycemia: The risk of hypoglycemia may be present, especially if the combination is used with other antidiabetic medications.
  • Renal Function Changes: Both dapagliflozin and saxagliptin may affect kidney function, and regular monitoring is recommended.

Use in Pregnancy edit

  • When it comes to combination therapy with dapagliflozin and saxagliptin, the cumulative effects on pregnancy and fetal development need careful consideration.
  • The safety of using this combination during pregnancy has not been extensively studied, and therefore, caution is advised.

References edit

  1. ^ a b "Dapagliflozin / saxagliptin (Qtern) Use During Pregnancy". Drugs.com. 28 June 2019. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Qtern- dapagliflozin and saxagliptin tablet, film coated". DailyMed. 24 January 2020. Retrieved 14 July 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h "Qtern EPAR". European Medicines Agency (EMA). 17 September 2018. Retrieved 14 July 2020. Text was copied from this source which is © European Medicines Agency. Reproduction is authorized provided the source is acknowledged.
  4. ^ "Drug Approval Package: Qtern (dapagliflozin and saxagliptin)". U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 10 October 2018. Retrieved 14 July 2020.

External links edit